OVO Energy issues 'shortage' warning and says 'without significant investment'

OVO has warned of a skills "shortage" among UK workers - as it finds fewer than 1 in 10 receive dedicated green skills development at work – putting net zero targets at risk. OVO’s Chief People Officer Charlotte Eaton has this week called for a national drive to address the green skills gap.

A report commissioned by OVO with Energy and Utility Skills found that 362,000 workers could be needed by 2035 to decarbonise homes and hit net zero targets. To tackle this gap, OVO is upskilling its energy workforce across solar, electric car and heat pump surveyors and installers.

The roles will include advisors, surveyors and installers. This plan is bringing together future skills, education and apprenticeship programmes to shape a greener workforce for decades to come and accelerate the installation of thousands of heat pumps, solar panels and EV chargers in UK homes.

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The recommends from OVO include boosting visibility of green roles in primary and secondary education, and supporting better careers advice and guidance. Other recommendations include introducing green requirements into existing recertification assessments, mapping out regional workforce and skills shortages, and working with industry to ensure existing qualifications meet the needs of new entrants into the green skills sector.

Charlotte Eaton, Chief People Officer, OVO said: “People are at the centre of our mission at OVO, which is why we are committed to investing in our teams through learning and reskilling opportunities. Without significant investment in the green workforce, the UK risks losing its place as a world leader in net zero. We need more people to help us on our mission to install electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, solar and insulate homes across the UK.”

“The green skills gap facing our country is one of the biggest challenges we’re facing as a country, and we can’t do it alone. Our ambitious plan is pioneering a new generation who have the opportunity to shape the green skilled industry for many years to come.”

Gudrun Cartwright, BITC’s Climate Action Director said: “Developing the skills needed to deliver a just transition to a net zero, resilient future is critical for every business. While most people think of the technical skills needed to retrofit buildings, install renewable energy or service electric vehicles, BITC’s work with businesses has identified that these skills are just the tip of the iceberg.

"There is a real need for business leaders to build the culture and capabilities to enable their current and future workforce to be flexible and better able to adapt to a changing world. Embracing essential skills for all, empowering changemakers with the authority to innovate and open doors to people who may have barriers to employment are key actions to ensure that this transformation is fair and inclusive. So, a new approach to leadership is vital.

"One that holds the gaze of the scale of transformation needed, has the humility to recognise that nobody has all the answers and that prioritises the responsibility that businesses have to be part of accelerating progress towards a net zero, resilient future where businesses prosper, and people and nature thrive.”